Looking for a place to stay in Santa Cruz without paying extra for parking? Several hotels near the beach and boardwalk offer free on-site parking, saving you up to $30 per night. These include budget-friendly motels and inns close to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the wharf, and UC Santa Cruz. Most rooms come with a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, and free Wi-Fi. Some properties also feature an outdoor pool, hot tub, or spa bath. Expect to pay between $100 and $200 per night, depending on the season and room type.
Top-rated options with free parking include Carousel Beach Inn (2-minute walk to the Boardwalk, rooms with private balcony), Ocean Pacific Lodge (3 blocks from the beach, pet-friendly), and Sea & Sand Inn (10-minute walk to the wharf, ocean views). Many of these hotels also offer free breakfast, like Mission Inn (eggs, waffles, cereal) or Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North (vegetarian grab-n-go breakfast). For a quieter stay, The Inn at Pasatiempo features a French-country design and is adjacent to a golf course. All hotels listed provide free parking for one vehicle.